Angry residents gathered in downtown Vancouver Wednesday night to discuss the opening of new housing for the homeless on Howe Street.
Residents say that they haven’t been adequately consulted about the opening of new housing for the homeless at the former Quality Inn on Howe Street. The former hotel will house 157 people.
Residents of nearby buildings are not happy.
“There’s been zero consultation of anyone in the neighbourhood,” says Veronica Madore.
“The truly homeless should have a solution that includes support, but dropping them into these spaces without the support required doesn’t make any sense.”
Several business owners say that the zoning for the site does not permit a homeless shelter.
Mayor Gregor Robertson, campaigning on Commercial Drive, says it was important to get people into shelters as soon as possible.
“The conditions outside are pretty severe and the most important thing is that we don’t see people dying on our streets,” says Robertson. “We’ve lost people in past winters, and we have the opportunity to get people into these buildings that are not being used.”
“I’ve been very clear that homelessness is our top priority,” says Robertson. “Winter is here now, we have to make sure we act now. I’m asking for patience and forbearance from the residents in the area to make sure we act together to make sure this works over the winter.”
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